In contrast with widespread opinion that the Nigerian government is stylishly withdrawing from funding of football in the country, sports minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung has promised more support for the round leather game.
In an interview with sports247.ng on Wednesday, Dalung stated that the federal government cannot do but throw its weight behind the sport, because football is a money spinning enterprise and a peace initiative.
Although a school of thought would go on to argue that his comments could spell ‘interference in soccer matters,’ which world governing body for the sport, FIFA frowns at, Dalung stressed that all Nigerian must appreciate what has kept the country together over the years.
Dalung then called on administrators of the game to improve football in the country for further growth, as the federal government is willing to support their effort when need be.
The sports minister stressed in an interview with sports247.ng: “We need more growth and development of football in this country.
“That is why we want our administrators to work harder and bring fresh ideas to boost the game.
“There’s no way government will stop funding football. It is a money spinning venture and one that helps maintain unity in this country.
“We cannot do away with a sector that has helped us stay as one united entity. That is the power of football, one that we must not toy with.”
